“Oh. Do you need my help?”
His father was still adjusting to being retired, even though it had been a few years. Charles knew it would be hard for him to relinquish the reins entirely. Eventually he’d have to. And this new development was a step in the right direction.
“Seems the brothers are beginning to work together.”
“You mean on the business or aligning themselves against you?” his father asked.
“A little of both. Which in my book is a good thing.”
“It is. So do you think it is time for you to present the contract to them?”
He wanted to, but doing it before dropping the bomb on Maxwell was dangerous. Maxwell had a way of obtaining information and this was one piece he couldn’t risk. It would mean Lawson Steel wouldn’t be a privately owned company any longer. Being the seventh generation at the helm, he wasn’t ready or willing to dissolve this tradition. Not without a fight.
“No Dad. I need more time. But it will be soon. I have something else I need to take care of first.”
“Does it have to do with your young lady?”
In a very roundabout way, yes. But no way in what his father was thinking. “She will be affected.”
“Charles, I’m glad to see you are not focused strictly on work.”
“Dad, you lived and breathed work.”
His father laughed. “And yet I still got married, had six children, and enjoyed my family time. Unless you forget about those days.”
He hadn’t. It just seemed so long ago. And as Charles got older, he’d tried to escape the family and hang out with Sal. Being at home with all his brothers had been a reminder of the responsibility that would, one day, be passed down to him. And here it is.
“Don’t worry, Dad. I’m not out to follow in your footsteps. Six boys are crazy.”
“Your mother would disagree with you. I’m not sure I would.” He laughed. “Why don’t you bring your friend down for a visit? I’m sure your mother would love to meet her.”
“We’re not at that point yet, Dad.” That sounded weird because he was going to see her parents again this weekend. Was he intentionally keeping her away from them? There was a good reason, but she was bound to question that, and he needed a good explanation ready for when she did.
“Don’t wait too long. You’re not getting any younger.”
Most people had to hear these things from their mothers. But Charles knew why his father was bringing it up. No Dad. I’m not going to have a son just to make you happy. “Dad, I have another call coming in. I’ll keep you updated.”
“Good. And bring her down.”
“Sure, Dad. I’ll call you soon.” He ended the call before he was asked how soon was soon. The older his father grew, the more persistent he became. Charles was beginning to worry there might be something going on with his father that he hadn’t shared with anyone yet. God, I hope there isn’t something wrong.
Seeing Rosslyn’s mother, who was younger than his parents, made him think more about the future. Rosslyn’s mother was maybe fifty-five years old. That didn’t seem all that old anymore. He always knew not everyone saw retirement age and lived their golden years doing what they didn’t have time for when they were young.
It made his father’s words hit home. Working himself to death wasn’t something he feared, but not stopping to enjoy life now played on his mind. He wasn’t sure if he could give Rosslyn all the credit, but she definitely played into the equation. He was turning thirty-nine in a few weeks and at the top of his game. No one could ask for more. Yet looking closer at his life, for the first time he wanted more, and it had nothing to do with business.
Charles wasn’t out to catch up to his friends Mike and Ronnie. But there was a piece of him that envied their lives. Neither was rolling in cash, yet each of them was happy.
Was Rosslyn the roadmap he needed to achieve such bliss? He wasn’t sure, but he was definitely willing to explore that option.
A few minutes later he received a text from Sal. Perfect. This was one date she wouldn’t forget. Hope she likes jazz.
Rosslyn had been surprised when Charles told her what they were doing. She had never actually seen a live jazz band before. They had a table so close you could actually see them playing each note.
“This is so nice.”
“I’m glad you’re enjoying it,” Charles said.
I enjoy anything we do together.But she didn’t want to scare him off. Things really were amazing between them. In her mind, there was no way this was ending next week. It was only getting better. And tomorrow they were back in her hometown with the room at the B&B already booked. The difference was this time her parents knew they were coming.